Class 8, SocialScience, Chapter 1- Natural Resources and Their Use
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I. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. When does nature become a resource?
A. When it exists in the wild B. When humans admire it
C. When it is used for human needs D. When it's untouched by humans
2. Which of the following is a renewable resource?
A. Petroleum B. Gold C. Solar energy D. Coal
3. A non-renewable resource is:
A. Sunlight B. Forest C. Water D. Petroleum
4. The concept of stewardship refers to:
A. Ownership of land B. Destruction of nature
C. Responsible use of resources D. Collection of taxes
5. Which state in India became 100% organic?
A. Punjab B. Kerala C. Sikkim D. Gujarat
6. Which industry is one of the most polluting?
A. Textile B. Cement C. Paper D. Leather
7. What is the meaning of ecosystem services?
A. Paid environmental services B. Military services in forest
C. Natural processes benefiting humans D. Pollution in nature
8. Overexploitation of groundwater is a major issue in:
A. Sikkim B. Gujarat C. Punjab D. Assam
9. Vṛikṣhāyurveda is:
A. A book on health B. A war strategy
C. An ancient science of plants cares D. A pollution regulation
10. Tuna population decline is due to:
A. Pollution B. Overfishing C. Cold waters D. Oil spills
11. What causes soil degradation according to the chapter?
A. Use of bio-fertilisers B. Use of cow dung
C. Use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers D. Organic farming
12. Distribution of natural resources affects:
A. Time zones B. Climate only
C. Trade and settlement patterns D. Education systems
13. The International Solar Alliance was launched by:
A. India and USA B. India and China
C. India and France D. India and Germany
14. One example of sustainable traditional practice is:
A. Overfishing B. Harvesting rainwater
C. Burning forests D. Excessive mining
15. The ‘resource curse’ refers to:
A. Lack of resources B. Abundance of resources leading to slow
development
C. Sudden disasters D. Resource conflicts only
16. Which of these is not a characteristic of a resource?
A. Economically feasible B. Technologically accessible
C. Religiously forbidden D. Culturally acceptable
17. Timber is renewable only if:
A. We store it well B. Forests are overcut
C. Forest regeneration is allowed D. It’s sold in markets
18. What does a forest provide in terms of ecosystem services?
A. Oxygen B. Water filtration C. Habitat for animals D. All of the above
19. Which energy is considered renewable?
A. Natural gas B. Oil C. Wind D. Diesel
20. Which plant-based pest repellent was used by Pema’s family?
A. Aloe vera B. Neem and garlic C. Mint D. Hibiscus
Answer:
1.C 2.C 3.D 4.C 5.C 6.B 7.C 8.C 9.C 10.B 11.C 12.C 13.C 14.B
15.B 16.C 17.C 18.D 19.C 20.B
II. Match the Following
A B
1. Vṛikṣhāyurveda a) Polluting industry
2. Bhadla Solar Park b) Punjab
3. Cement c) Rajasthan
4. Tuna fish d) Ocean ecosystem balance
5. Over-pumping of groundwater e) Ancient Indian plant science
Answer: 1-e, 2- c, 3- a, 4- d, 5- b
2.
III. Assertion andReasoning Questions
1. Assertion (A): Coal is a renewable resource.
Reason (R): It takes millions of years to form.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explaInation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, and R is not the correct explaination of A.
c) A is false, R is true
d) A is true, R is false
Ans. c). A is false, R is true
2. Assertion (A): Sikkim transitioned to 100% organic farming.
Reason (R): It used excessive chemical fertilizers.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explaination of A.
b) Both A and R are true, and R is not the correct explaination of A.
c) A is false, R is true
d). A is true, R is false
Ans. d) A is true, R is false
3. Assertion (A): Overfishing disrupts the balance of marine life.
Reason (R): Tuna fish consume smaller fish and keep population in check.
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explaination of A.
b) Both A and R are true, and R is not the correct explaination of A.
c) A is false, R is true
d). A is true, R is false
Ans. a). Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explaination of A.
IV. Very Short Answer:
1. What is a natural resource?
Natural resources are materials and substances found in nature that
humans use for survival or economic gain. E.g., air, water, coal, forests.
2. What are renewable resources?
• Renewable resources that can be naturally restored or
regenerated over time.
• Examples: sunlight, wind, water, and forests (if used carefully).
3. What are non-renewable resources?
• Non-renewable resources that take millions of years to form and
cannot be quickly replaced.
• Examples: coal, petroleum, minerals.
4. Give two effects of overusing groundwater.
• Groundwater levels drop, making it hard and expensive to
access.
• Water shortages can affect farming and daily life.
5. What is meant by ecosystem services?
• They are benefits humans get from nature like clean air, water, and
pollination.
• Forests, rivers, and soil provide these services naturally.
6. Why is overfishing a problem?
• It reduces fish population and harms ocean balance.
• Species like tuna are decreasing rapidly.
7. What are two effects of chemical fertilizers on soil?
• They reduce soil fertility over time.
• They pollute groundwater and harm health.
8. What is stewardship in natural resource use?
• It means using resources wisely and responsibly.
• It includes preserving nature for future generations.
9. How does pollution affect rivers?
• Industrial waste pollutes rivers, making water poisonous.
• It kills aquatic life and harms human health.
10. Why is cement production harmful?
• It releases harmful dust into air and damages lungs.
3.
• It alsopollutes soil and water around factories.
V. Short Answer Type Questions:
1. How do we categorise natural resources?
Natural resources can be categorised based on their use:
➢ Resources essential for life E.g. air, water, soil.
➢ Resources for materials E.g. wood, metals.
➢ Resources for energy E.g. coal, petroleum, sunlight.
They can also be classified based on their ability to replenish over time.
a) Renewable resources: E.g. solar, wind, hydro power.
b) Non-renewable resources (coal, petroleum)
2. What is the connection between the distribution of natural resources
and different aspects of life?
➢ Uneven distribution of resources affects where people live, jobs,
trade and even conflicts.
➢ For example, areas with minerals attract industries, while water-rich
regions support farming.
➢ Sharing resources like rivers can cause disputes between regions or
countries.
3. What are the implications of unsustainable use / over-exploitation of
natural resources?
➢ Overuse leads to pollution, loss of biodiversity and climate
change.
➢ For example, over-pumping groundwater dries up wells and
deforestation reduces wildlife habitats.
➢ Sustainable practices are needed to protect resources for future
generations.
4. Give three ways to use water sustainably.
➢ Practice rainwater harvesting.
➢ Avoid overusing groundwater.
➢ Reuse treated wastewater for gardens or farming.
5. What is the importance of forests as resources?
➢ Provide timber, oxygen, and prevent soil erosion.
➢ Offer habitat to wildlife.
➢ Act as natural water filters.
6. What are the impacts of industrial waste on nature?
➢ Kills river and soil life.
➢ Causes air and water pollution.
➢ Disturbs the ecosystem’s natural balance.
7. What is meant by the ‘resource curse’?
➢ Countries rich in natural resources may remain poor.
➢ They fail to develop value-adding industries.
➢ Poor governance often causes misuse of wealth.
8. How do natural resources affect human settlement?
➢ Towns grow near water, minerals, forests, etc.
➢ Jobs and industries develop around resources.
➢ May cause displacement or conflict over usage.
VI. Long Answer Type Question Answers:
1. Explain the difference between renewable and non-renewable
resources with examples.
Basis Renewable Resources Non-Renewable
Resources
Formation Replenish naturally in a short
time
Take millions of years to
form
Availability Abundant in nature Limited in nature
Pollution Cause very little pollution Cause high pollution
Sustainability Sustainable for long-term use Get exhausted if overused
Examples Solar, wind, water Coal, petroleum, natural
gas
2. What are the key features of sustainable farming in Sikkim?
o Replaced chemicals with compost and bio-repellents.
4.
o Focused oncrop rotation and diversity.
o Soil health improved over time.
o Biodiversity and tourism increased.
o Farmers’ income and health improved.
3. List five ways to use natural resources responsibly.
o Reduce, reuse, and recycle materials.
o Use renewable energy like solar and wind.
o Avoid polluting rivers and air.
o Conserve water and forests.
o Practice organic and traditional farming.
4. Describe the causes and effects of groundwater depletion in Punjab.
o Use of water-hungry crops (like paddy).
o Free electricity encouraged over-pumping.
o Water table dropped drastically.
o Chemical use led to water pollution.
o Long-term effects on farming and health.
5. Why is it important to manage natural resources for future
generations?
o Resources are limited and may get exhausted.
o Overuse harms environment and climate.
o Future generations need clean water, air, and soil.
o Sustainable use ensures long-term benefits.
o Good governance and planning are essential.
VII. Questions and Activities: (Book Pg.19)
1. What can make what is today a renewable resource non-renewable
tomorrow? Describe some actions that can prevent this from happening.
➢ If renewable resources like forests or water are used faster than
they can regenerate, they may become non-renewable.
➢ To prevent this, resources should be used judiciously, allowing
time for natural restoration and following sustainable practices
such as controlled usage, replanting, and conservation.
2. Name five ecosystem functions that serve humans.
Five ecosystem functions that serve humans are:
• Producing oxygen
• Filtering water
• Preventing soil erosion
• Providing habitat for animals
• Pollination of crops
•
3. What are renewable resources? How are they different from non-
renewable ones? What can people do to ensure that renewable resources
continue to be available for our use and that of future generations? Give
two examples.
➢ Renewable resources are those that can replenish naturally over
time, like sunlight and water.
➢ Non-renewable resources, such as coal and petroleum, cannot be
replaced once used.
➢ To ensure continued availability, people must use renewable
resources carefully, allow time for regeneration, and avoid
overexploitation. Examples: solar energy, timber (with sustainable
forestry practices).
4. Identify cultural practices in your home and neighbourhood that point
to mindfulness in the use of natural resources.
Examples include using traditional vessels made of clay instead of
plastic, celebrating festivals with eco-friendly materials, cleaning water bodies
during festivals, reusing resources, and practicing rituals that respect trees and
water sources, all reflecting mindfulness towards resource usage.
5. What are some considerations to keep in mind in the production of
goods for our current use?
Important considerations include minimizing pollution, sustainable
extraction of resources, choosing renewable or recyclable materials, reducing
waste, conserving energy and water, and ensuring minimal environmental
impact for the benefit of present and future generations.
